As the curtains fell on this year’s Bangkok Sustainability Expo, an air of anticipation filled the room. The event, proudly orchestrated by Thai Beverage Plc and its partners, has pledged to carry its torch of sustainability through 2030. With a clear focus on fast-tracking the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the expo has become a breeding ground for fresh sustainability paradigms.
Hosted at the iconic Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), this ten-day extravaganza has been a beacon for five consecutive years, igniting a spark of sustainable living across the city. As the fervor of the expo simmered, Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, CEO and President of Thai Beverage, took center stage during the “SX Launching Forward: SX2025” session, weaving a narrative that stressed responsibility for sustainability. According to him, our current consumption patterns, particularly in the business sphere, are a slippery slope, veering us toward an unsustainable consumer-centric society.
Thapana didn’t mince words as he implored the present generation to rethink resource usage, ensuring a bountiful future for those to come. One proposed pathway was the compassionate adoption of the sufficiency economy philosophy—a golden handbook for sustainable living. Passionate about the role young people play in this green revolution, he expressed hopes that visitors to SX2024 had gleaned fresh inspiration from the exhibits under the thought-provoking banners “Better Me,” “Better Living,” “Better Community,” and “Better World.”
“Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a collective journey,” Thapana asserted. “Every minuscule step we take contributes to a greener legacy. Next year’s spectacle will unfold from September 26 to October 5 at the same beloved venue, QSNCC.”
The United Nations has heralded a Decade of Action (2020-2030), calling upon every stakeholder to lock arms in meeting the SDGs by 2030. Thai Beverage has committed to propelling its expo until this transformative decade runs its course, firmly embedding sustainable practices and consciousness into the public psyche. “We envision everyone as a ‘sustainability shaper,'” Thapana added, capping his impassioned address.
Tongjai Thanachanan, the Chief of Sustainability and Strategy at Thai Beverage, shared the jaw-dropping outreach numbers from this year’s expo—a formidable 740,423 attendees soaking up knowledge offline and online, soaring past their initial 500,000 visitor goal. Not just a congregation of ideas, the expo proved a bustling marketplace, raking in 17.09 million baht and tantalizing taste buds at the Food Festival, which gathered 23.7 million baht in revenue.
Amidst this wave of success, the expo had its heartstrings tugged by the floods afflicting Thailand’s North. A soul-stirring two-day fundraising concert was married into the event, channeling 4.8 million baht to aid the victims. “In these past five illuminating years, we have drawn in a cumulative 1,182,954 visitors, channeling a hefty 106 million baht towards uplifting participating communities,” Tongjai beamed with pride.
I love that they’re promoting sustainability! Thapana’s speech was inspiring.
It’s true. But talk is cheap, I wonder how much of this will turn into real action.
Agreed, @Anna Grace. Without accountability and concrete steps, these expos are just for show.
While it’s easy to be cynical, events like this can spark significant change. Let’s hope they can walk the talk.
The real question is whether ThaiBev’s commitment to sustainability is as transparent as it should be. Are we truly moving forward, or just greenwashing?
Isn’t it interesting that a beverage company is leading a sustainability expo? Are they really the most credible advocates here?
I think the focus on youth is key! Getting kids involved early can lead to lifelong changes.
Exactly! Schools should incorporate more sustainability education into their curriculums.
Definitely @ClimateKid, we might see change sooner than expected.
All this talk about ‘sufficiency economy’ sounds a bit like old-school socialism to me. Not sure how that will fly today.
Not really socialism, it’s more about sustainable economic growth. We need to balance consumption and resources.
I see your point, Olivia, but convincing everyone to change their lifestyles won’t be easy.
These expos bring in a lot of money, which is great! But are they also leaving a heavy carbon footprint with all the events and visitors?
Maxwell, that’s a valid concern. It would be ironic if the expo ends up contributing to the problem.
But remember guys, awareness leads to change. It still has an overall positive impact.
The fundraising for flood victims is incredible! It’s nice to see big businesses actually giving back.
Critics will always have their say. As far as I’m concerned, any commitment is better than none.
That’s fair, Frankie. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, right?
Will be interesting to see how SX2025 evolves. The UN’s Decade of Action is a hefty banner to uphold!
Let’s hope they can carry that banner with the integrity it demands.
Wow, those visitor stats are impressive! Shows just how many people are interested in sustainability.
I wonder if they are tackling the topic of plastic waste as well. It’s one of the biggest issues we face.
Good point! If not, they should include it in next year’s agenda.
Love that they are calling everyone ‘sustainability shapers.’ Feels empowering.
Absolutely! It makes each person feel responsible for contributing to a sustainable future.
We need change, but can we truly rely on corporations to lead the way? Sometimes it feels like they have an ulterior motive.
Many might, but some genuinely care. Let’s not paint them all with the same brush.
Events like this can inspire innovations. If only more companies worldwide took similar steps, the impact could be massive!
I hope they are considering water conservation, especially with the floods. Sometimes these events can miss interconnected issues.